Nepal Muktinath
**Uncharted Nepal: Muktinath Thrills Adventure Drive**
*By the Admin Panel of Long Drive from Kolkata (LDFK)*
In the vibrant tapestry of LDFK’s history, the road to Nepal stands as an emblem of audacity, adventure, and camaraderie. Our first international road trip wasn’t just a journey; it was a declaration of who we are – a family of explorers bound by the call of the open road.
With 40 hearts brimming with excitement and 18 cars revving in unison, we set off on October 18th, 2024, for an epic voyage of 2679 km. Along the way, we carved memories into mountain trails, sketched laughter across valleys, and discovered the uncharted.
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### **Chapter 1: The Journey Begins – Kolkata to Motihari**
The dawn broke over Singur on October 18th, painting the convoy in golden hues as we embarked on a 750-km drive to Motihari. The road stretched like a canvas, and we were the artists, painting it with the roar of engines and intercom chatter.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we rolled into Hotel Shah’s Palace. Exhaustion intertwined with exhilaration as we recounted the day’s journey, every mile bringing us closer to the dream ahead.
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### **Chapter 2: Crossing Borders – The Nepalese Embrace**
The morning of October 19th saw us at the Raxaul-Birganj border. The process of permits, Bhansar formalities, and currency exchange was a test of patience, but the excitement was palpable. When our convoy crossed into Nepal, a collective cheer erupted – we were officially on foreign soil.
The 183-km drive to Chitwan unfolded like a nature documentary. The Nepali countryside, with its emerald fields and rustic villages, welcomed us warmly. By evening, we arrived at Park Safari Resort, where the serenity of the jungle prepared us for a thrilling safari the next day.
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### **Chapter 3: From Forests to Mountains – Chitwan to Pokhara**
October 20th began with the call of the wild during a jungle safari. The sight of rhinos grazing and birds darting across the canopy was magical. Yet, the real adventure began as we hit the road again.
The 277-km drive to Pokhara was an orchestra of challenges and beauty. Nepal’s mountain roads, winding and steep, tested both our machines and our mettle. Yet, every curve revealed a masterpiece: rivers gleaming like silver ribbons and terraced fields cascading down hillsides.
As night fell, we reached Hotel Shaara, where the view from the 11th floor stole our breath – Fewa Lake shimmered under the moon, and the Annapurna range stood guard like a sentinel of dreams.
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### **Chapter 4: Pokhara – The Playground of Nature**
October 21st was a day to breathe, to soak in the tranquility of Pokhara. At dawn, the Annapurna peaks glowed in hues of gold and pink, a sunrise that whispered promises of adventure.
Exploring Pokhara felt like a love letter to travelers. The Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave were stops on a drive that celebrated the city’s beauty. The day ended by Fewa Lake, its still waters reflecting our joy and the towering Himalayas.
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### **Chapter 5: The Road to Jomsom – A Driver’s Nirvana**
October 22nd marked the journey from Pokhara to Jomsom, a mere 154 km that felt like a lifetime of adventure. The initial stretch lulled us into a rhythm, but soon, the road demanded our full attention.
As we climbed higher, the asphalt gave way to rocky trails and river crossings. Every turn offered both a challenge and a reward: cliffs that kissed the sky, valleys that plunged into infinity, and the humbling realization of being mere specks in nature’s grandeur.
At 6 PM, the convoy reached Hotel Sunrise, the cars dust-laden and our hearts brimming with pride.
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### **Chapter 6: Muktinath – Where Heaven Meets Earth**
The drive to Muktinath on October 23rd was short – 22 km – but unforgettable. The air grew thin as we climbed to 12,343 feet, the scenery turning surreal. Snow-capped peaks pierced a sapphire sky, and barren valleys stretched endlessly.
At Muktinath Temple, spirituality met adventure. The 108 waterspouts and the serene atmosphere touched every soul. As we began our descent back to Pokhara, the roads, once daunting, felt like old friends.
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### **Chapter 7: Kathmandu – The Urban Canvas**
The journey to Kathmandu on October 24th was a 210-km drive of contrasts. The highways flowed smoothly, but the final ascent into the capital challenged our stamina.
In Kathmandu, chaos blended with charm. On October 25th, we explored Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where history whispered through ancient bricks, and Pashupatinath Temple, where spirituality soared. The vibrant Thamel Market added a splash of color to our urban adventure.
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### **Chapter 8: Homeward Bound – The Road Always Calls**
October 26th saw us begin the bittersweet journey home. Driving 425 km from Kathmandu to Birgunj, we paused only to reflect on how far we had come – literally and metaphorically.
By October 27th, as we rolled back into Kolkata, the dust on our cars told a story of roads conquered and memories etched forever.
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### **Epilogue: Nepal – The Journey That Defined Us**
This trip wasn’t just about miles; it was about moments. The intercom chatter, the shared awe at nature’s wonders, the triumph over challenging roads – these are the threads that wove our story.
Nepal welcomed us with open arms, tested us with rugged terrains, and rewarded us with its breathtaking landscapes. For LDFK, it was a journey that encapsulated everything we stand for: self-driven exploration, the love of the road, and the strength of togetherness.
As we pen this down, we can still hear the hum of our engines and feel the rush of steering through those hairpin bends. This was more than a drive; it was a celebration of the bond we share and the roads we long to explore.
Until the next adventure, keep driving, keep dreaming, and keep discovering.
*The road is our home, and every turn is a story waiting to be told.*